The Fable of A Legend

When Baran reached the front of the classroom, he glanced at Professor Cissy.

"May I borrow a pen, Professor Fairman?" he asked—neither rude nor particularly polite.

"Of course, Professor Kaya," Cissy replied with a teasing tone, handing him her digital pen.

Baran took it and gave it a quick inspection. It felt good in his hand and looked perfectly fine.

Setting aside his curiosity for the pen, he turned to the smart board and wrote his name.

"Whether you know my name or not doesn't matter. Anyway, let's get started."

He looked at the students, all of them visibly shocked. None of them had expected Professor Cissy to pull something like this on the very first day.

Tap tap.

Baran tapped on the professor's desk a few times, drawing all eyes to himself—exactly as he intended.

"Our subject today is Holy Energy Theory. First of all—why do we call it holy?"

Whispers spread through the class, and a few students raised their hands.

Baran pointed at one of them to answer.

After steadying his voice, the student spoke."The reason we call it holy is because, during the Middle Ages, the Pope classified energies into two distinct categories: one being holy, the oth—"

"That's enough," Baran cut him off. "Next question: what are the fundamental properties of holy energy?"

More hands shot up this time. Without much thought, Baran pointed at a student in the front.

"The most notable property of holy energy is its healing capability," the student began confidently. "Additionally, because it's a warm and gentle energy, it soothes people. Its physical manifestation is in liquid form, and it also possesses agility, strength, and similar attributes common to all energy types."

Baran nodded his approval.

"Since you all know the basics already, now I want you to show me what you can actually do with holy energy. To set an example, my assistant will go first."

He gestured for Angellica to begin.

Wearing a clearly unwilling expression, Angellica cast a rank 2 group healing spell.

Whispers rippled through the room as the students felt the soothing effects of the spell on themselves, but Baran quickly shut them up by releasing a hint of his own presence. It was faint—compared to what he'd shown at the opening ceremony, it was like the difference between an elephant and an ant—but still more than enough to silence everyone.

"Yes, next?" Baran said in an authoritative tone, and the students began demonstrating their spells one by one.

Watching them, Baran couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy deep down. What had been freely given to them was something he'd never had—and it hurt. The irony was that everyone assumed he could do far better than them.

After observing all their spells, he curled his lips into a faint smirk and finally spoke.

"Are you curious why I made you all cast spells?" he asked.

A hand timidly went up, and Baran gave the student permission to speak.

"Yes, Professor Kaya. Why?" The voice carried traces of excitement and curiosity.

"The reason is simple—to help you understand how you perceive holy energy."

Baran's gaze swept the room before continuing."Those who cast healing spells see holy energy as a means of peace and aid. Those who cast offensive spells see it as passion and ambition. Those who cast defensive spells do so out of a sense of protection. What you chose today hints not only at which path you'll specialize in, but also at your own personality."

Then he motioned to Angellica behind him."My assistant's choice of spell tells me plenty about her personality. The same goes for all of you."

Glancing at his phone to check the time, Baran delivered his closing remarks.

"Even though this was a theory class, we approached it through practice today. By now you should have a good idea of which theoretical branch you'll aim to master. Class dismissed."

The bell rang, and the students began filing out of the room. Professor Cissy approached Baran with a sweet smile.

"You performed remarkably well for your first time, Professor Kaya," she said.

"I only did what I could, Professor Cissy," Baran replied modestly.

"Baran, have you ever considered acting or teaching?" she asked him again.

He shook his head. In any scenario where he became a teacher, he'd probably be remembered as the worst one.

"All right then. You're dismissed. Thank you both—Baran and Angellica—for your help today."

"You're welcome," Angellica said, and Baran nodded in agreement.

The two of them left the classroom and began walking down the hallway.

At that moment, a thought struck Baran, and he asked Angellica about her next class."What's your next class, Angellica?"

"Combat training. You?" she replied.

"Same," Baran answered.

Realizing they shared the same next class, they started walking to the training hall together. And already, on just the first day, people around them were whispering and gossiping as they passed by.